Research Associate - Landscape Infrastructure Design Lab (LIDL)

Research Associate•Landscape Infrastructure Design Lab (LIDL) Auburn University Auburn, AL, USA 🇺🇸 Position Details Position Information Requisition Number S5013P Home Org Name Sch of Arch PlanandLndscp Arch-Main Division Name College Arch Desgn and Construction Position Title Research Associate Job Class Code HA02 ( a,b,c,d) Appointment Status Full-time Part-time FTE Limited Term Yes Limited Term Length 12 month Job Summary The School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Research Associate I•IV to join the Landscape Infrastructure Design Lab ( LIDL ). LIDL conducts design research using landscape architectural methods to advance the design, planning, and management of nature-based infrastructures. LIDL's work is deeply collaborative, involving partnerships with federal sponsors; disciplines like coastal engineering, hydrology, ecology, and geomorphology; and local communities, as well as other landscape architects. Currently, we are working on a broad range of coastal infrastructure projects from the Great Lakes south to the Gulf of Mexico, sponsored by funders including the US Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering With Nature program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Effects of Sea Level Rise program, and the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The methods of our design research typically include fieldwork, mapping, iterative design, and physical and numerical hydrodynamic modeling. This position will include a significant component of work on our largest project, Tidelands ( Tidelands•Natural Infrastructure Innovation Project ), which is sponsored by Engineering With Nature. Tidelands launched in 2023 and is proposed to run for five years. Its aim is to conduct design research into what forms of natural infrastructure are possible in the nation's bays and estuaries, which forms are most desirable, and how to increase innovation in natural infrastructure design. To do this, Tidelands is engaging deeply with EWN, local USACE districts, and a broad range of other stakeholders. This is a 12-month, limited-term position, funded by external sources. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding and satisfactory performance. It is expected but not guaranteed that additional external funding will be available to renew the position in future years. Review of applicants will start 23 February 2026. Anticipated start date between April and June of 2026. Essential Functions Prepare drawings and maps synthesizing information about existing landscape conditions. Participate in field-based research in project landscapes. Participate in design workshops with stakeholders and multi-university project teams Advance infrastructure design concepts through research-by-design. Help build, run, and maintain simple physical and numerical hydrodynamic and geomorphological models. Produce representations of infrastructure design concepts. Review scientific literature and key documents related to study landscapes. Document results of research-by-design and assist in report preparation. Assist in coordinating work within LIDL and across multi-university project teams. Participate in project team meetings and other stakeholder interactions. May prepare research results for publication or presentation at conferences. May help maintain project budgets. Why Work at Auburn?

Life-Changing Impact :

Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.

Culture of Excellence :

We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education. We're Here for

You :

Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.

Sweet Home Alabama :

The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches. A Place for

Everyone :

Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged. Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Level I:

Possesses Masters degree in discipline appropriate to position with no experience. Typical salaries are between $47,840•$54,670 Full grade range $41,000•$61,500

Level II:

Possesses Masters degree in discipline appropriate to position with 2 years' experience. Typical salaries are between $54,410•$62,470 Full grade range $45,340•$72,540

Level III:

Possesses Masters degree in discipline appropriate to position with 4 years' experience. Typical salaries are between $61,920•$73,640 Full grade range $50,210•$85,360

Level IV:

Possesses Masters degree in discipline appropriate to position with 6 years' experience. Typical salaries are between $71,210•$84,690 Full grade range $57,740•$98,160 Substitutions allowed for

Experience:

When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience. Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications Minimum Skills and Abilities Candidates must evidence a sophisticated approach to design, grounded in the integration of aesthetic, cultural, and ecological dimensions of landscape. This approach may include but must not be limited to strictly quantifiable measures of landscape performance. The candidate should be familiar with software used in landscape architectural representation, including Adobe CS. Candidates must evidence the capacity to effectively produce landscape architectural representations of dynamic environments like coasts. The candidate should be willing to learn basic physical and numerical modeling methods. The successful candidate will demonstrate commitment to the timely completion of deliverables and strong potential to work collaboratively with both a large research team and diverse stakeholders. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are required. Minimum Technology Skills Minimum License and Certifications Desired Qualifications Desired Qualifications Experience with nature-based infrastructure design and/or design for dynamic landscapes shaped by the interaction of water, sediment, and vegetation.

Experience with Rhinoceros modeling software and GIS mapping software.

Experience with research-by-design methods. Posting Detail Information Salary Range $41,000•$98,160 Job Category Research Working Hours if Non-Traditional City position is located in: Auburn State position is located: Alabama List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position Posting Date 01/21/2026 Closing Date Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more. Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link for Internal Postings https://www.auemployment.com/postings/57811 Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Portfolio Optional Documents Other Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (•). • Please tell us how you first heard about this opportunity.(Open Ended Question) • Please select the answer that best describes your current employment relationship with

Auburn University:

Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee within probationary period Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee outside of probationary period Current part-time Auburn or AUM employee Not an Auburn or AUM employee • Do you have a Master's degree in discipline appropriate to position? Yes No Expired

POSITION TYPE

Researcher

ORGANIZATION TYPE

University/Academia/Research/Think tank

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL 0-2

Years

DEGREE REQUIRED

Advanced Degree (Master's or JD) Back to all water jobs